In a recent discussion hosted by NutraDrip, Clint Frese and Luke Holst from Calibrated Agronomy shared insights into the evolving landscape of modern agriculture. The two business partners have dedicated years to refining agronomic practices that integrate biological products, liquid fertilizers, and precision data analysis. Their journey began in 2015 when they founded Bio Ag Management, focusing on manufacturing biological products and developing liquid fertilizer solutions. Over the years, they have partnered with industry leaders such as Integrated Ag Solutions and Jared Cook to expand their research into water management and precision agronomy. With a wealth of experience in farming, experimentation, and data-driven solutions, Clint and Luke, along with the assistance of other founding team members, have built Calibrated Agronomy to help farmers bridge the gap between traditional and regenerative farming methods, ensuring both sustainability and profitability.
The Journey to Calibrated Agronomy
“As a farmer, I’ve tried about everything,” Clint explained. “I’ve done high-rate fertility, no fertility, and focused solely on biology. What we found is that meeting somewhere in the middle provides the best solutions for ROI.” This philosophy led to the formation of Calibrated Agronomy, which emphasizes a balanced approach to plant nutrition by incorporating biology, fertility, and carbon-based complexing agents.
Bridging the Gap in Farming Practices
Agricultural systems are diverse, and Calibrated Agronomy seeks to integrate the best aspects of various approaches. “We categorize farming into four systems: high-input organic, high-input conventional, conservation conventional, and regenerative organic,” Clint noted. “Each system has strengths and weaknesses, but our goal is to blend elements that create the most efficient and sustainable approach.”
This means utilizing cover crops, compost, livestock integration, and precision ag tools. “Instead of just treating symptoms, we focus on identifying the root dysfunctions in soil and plant health. Letting data tell the story allows us to develop targeted, effective solutions.”
The Importance of Water Management
One of the most profound insights from the discussion was the impact of irrigation water on soil health. “Irrigation water is the largest input on farmland and it can completely change soil nutrient dynamics,” Clint emphasized.
By employing rapid soil testing, Calibrated Agronomy can analyze how irrigation water interacts with soil nutrients. “We want to see what’s available to the plant in real-time,” Clint explained. “A traditional soil test gives a snapshot, but rapid soil testing provides a three-week forecast of nutrient availability.”
Key Findings from Soil and Water Testing
Their research has demonstrated significant discrepancies in nutrient availability based on soil testing methods. “For example, ammonium acetate extraction gives an estimate of what could become available, but it doesn’t show what’s accessible today,” Luke added. “Rapid soil testing, which uses deionized water, shows the actual nutrients in solution.”
Furthermore, the type of water used can dramatically affect nutrient absorption. “A high-bicarbonate irrigation water can tie up essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, making them unavailable to crops,” Clint shared. “By adjusting pH and adding the right amendments, we can correct these imbalances and improve plant uptake.”
Understanding Soil Test Methods
Clint and Luke walked through various soil testing methods, explaining their strengths and weaknesses. “Ammonium acetate extraction mimics what biological release in soil could make available, but it doesn’t show what’s accessible today,” Luke explained. “The Haney test, which mimics root exudates, offers insight into soil health but can overestimate phosphorus availability. Rapid soil testing, on the other hand, provides an accurate snapshot of nutrients available to plants at that moment.”
This method is particularly beneficial in irrigation-heavy environments, where understanding nutrient fluctuations can optimize crop nutrition and prevent imbalances. “We use rapid soil testing alongside SAP testing to measure what the plant actually absorbs,” Clint noted. “This allows us to make real-time adjustments and improve nutrient efficiency.”
The Impact of Irrigation Water on Nutrient Availability
Clint detailed the challenges posed by different water sources. “Bad wells versus good wells can completely change soil nutrient dynamics,” he explained. “Bicarbonates, carbonates, and high pH levels in irrigation water can tie up calcium, potassium, and other essential nutrients, creating deficiencies.”
To counteract this, Calibrated Agronomy employs acid-based amendments to lower pH and free up nutrients. “Applying acid fertilizers allows us to shift the nutrient hierarchy in favor of phosphorus and potassium while suppressing excess sodium and chloride,” Clint said. “We use a mix of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and plant metabolites to tailor blends for specific soil and water conditions.”
Managing Nutrient Competition
A major takeaway from the presentation was the importance of balancing nutrient interactions. “Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium all compete for uptake spots in the plant,” Clint explained. “If we don’t manage these relationships, we risk deficiencies even when nutrients are present in the soil.”
Through precise amendments, Calibrated Agronomy ensures nutrients remain bioavailable. “We fine-tune blends based on soil and water testing, allowing for more efficient nutrient uptake and higher crop performance,” Luke added.
The Role of Bio stimulants and Carbon Sources
Beyond soil testing and water amendments, bio stimulants play a crucial role in nutrient efficiency. “We’ve cut our teeth on biology,” Clint said. “Bio stimulants enhance root function, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health. Our Backbone product, for instance, is a diverse carbon source that helps retain released nutrients.”
Clint further emphasized the importance of pairing carbon sources with acid fertilizers. “When we free up nutrients using acids, we need carbon sources to hold them in solution long enough for plant uptake. Otherwise, they risk being re-tied in the soil.”
Herbicide Stress and Crop Resilience
Another critical area discussed was herbicide stress on crops. “When synthetic herbicides are absorbed by plants, they require energy to metabolize and sequester these chemicals,” Clint explained. “This process can temporarily shut down plant growth.”
To combat this, Calibrated Agronomy developed the HP Pump, a plant extract designed to reduce herbicide stress. “HP Pump contains peptides, amino acids, and carbohydrates that help the plant process herbicides more efficiently,” Clint said. “We’ve seen 2 to 5 bushel gains in soybeans and 5 to 9 bushel gains in corn by reducing herbicide-induced stress.”
The Future with NutraDrip
Looking ahead, Clint and Luke are committed to refining their approach and working closely with NutraDrip. “This year is all about discovery,” Clint said. “We’re collecting data to fine-tune irrigation strategies, optimize fertility programs, and ultimately drive higher yields.”
“We’re looking at three key testing points—early, mid, and late season—to track nutrient movement and make real-time adjustments,” Luke explained. “Our goal is to provide a complete, data-driven approach that improves efficiency and ROI.”
Wrap Up
Calibrated Agronomy is revolutionizing farming by integrating data-driven agronomy, water chemistry, and biological solutions. Their work emphasizes the importance of soil health, nutrient balance, and precision irrigation to maximize crop performance.
“What your water is, your soil becomes,” Clint reminded the audience. “By understanding and managing this relationship, we can create more resilient and productive farming systems.”
Through strategic partnerships and ongoing research, NutraDrip and Calibrated Agronomy are helping farmers navigate the complexities of modern agriculture—one soil test at a time.
Key Take-Aways
-Calibrated Agronomy emphasizes a balanced approach to plant nutrition by incorporating biology, fertility, and carbon-based complexing agents, and looking at plants, soil, water and farming practices.
-The type of water used for irrigation can drastically affect nutrient absorption of the plant.
-Balancing nutrient interactions is critical: “Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium all compete for uptake spots in the plant. If we don’t manage these relationships, we risk deficiencies even when nutrients are present in the soil.” -Clint
-Rapid soil tests + SAP testing can show what is available in your soil and water, plus what the plant is actually getting.
